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Al Copeland Sr. (1944-) is an American entrepreneur based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Copeland became a New Orleans icon due to his flamboyant lifestyle, including his eponymous power boat racing teams, extravagant weddings, and his annual Christmas light show at his mansion located in an upscale neighborhood in Metairie. Copeland has been the subject of ridicule as his appearance leads many to believe he has had extensive cosmetic surgery. Copeland has often been surrounded with controversy. In 1983, Copeland was sued by his neighbors to remove his home's Christmas light display. In 1991, a judge later permitted Copeland to display a scaled-down version of the display. In 1993, Copeland made an unsuccessful bid for a Louisiana gambling license. The successful bidder, Robert Guidry, later testified that he (Guidry) had bribed then governor Edwin Edwards to secure the license. Eight years later, Guidry and Copeland would encounter each other at an upscale restaurant in New Orleans. A fight ensued involving Copeland, Guidry, and Guidry's sons. Witnesses said that Copeland's then wife, who was six months pregnant, was knocked to the ground during the fight, and both Copeland and his spouse were hospitalized. Copeland's third marriage ended with significant controversy. The third divorce's original presiding judge, Ronald Bodenheimer, plead guilty to promising a custody deal favorable to Copeland in return for a possible seafood contract and other benefits. Two Copeland associates, as well as Bodenheimer, went to jail for participating in the conspiracy. Copeland was never personally accused of participating. In December 2007, Copeland began treatment for a malignant tumor of the salivary glands, a rare form of cancer.
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